New Delhi: Indian professionals seeking H-1B visa stamping are now facing major delays as no new interview slots are available for 2026. US consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata are showing ‘NA’ for visa appointments. The situation has disrupted travel plans for many professionals working in the US.

As per immigration experts, the situation records a sharp departure from previous US visa policies. Many H-1B holders are being advised against travelling to India for stamping until the backlog eases.

No slots available till 2027

The US Department of State’s online system now shows ‘NA’ for interview-required petition-based visas including H, L, O, P, and Q. According to the official portal, ‘This indicates that there are no standard interview slots available for these categories. When all regular slots are fully booked, the system stops displaying wait times and instead shows ‘NA’, signalling that applicants cannot book an interview date.’

The delays started last year in the month of December when interviews were originally scheduled for that month and then were moved to March 2026 and later to October 2026. In recent weeks, many appointments have further shifted to 2027. This could affect employment, family plans and immigration status for professionals planning short trips to India for stamping.

New policy changes added pressure

Several new policy changes have added pressure to the already stretched visa system. On December 15, 2025, the US introduced mandatory social media screening for employment-based visa applicants. This ‘increased the time spent on each application, reducing the number of interviews consulates can conduct daily.’

Additionally, the US State Department has ended the option for Indian nationals to get visa stamping in third countries. With all demand now concentrated on Indian consulates backlogs have worsened.

Immigration attorney Emily Neumann highlighted the situation and stated,’ They are not in any hurry to give you a visa. They are trying to deny visas whenever they can. It is a completely different world from what we saw during the Biden administration. This administration does not want to give you a visa.’

She added that she had not seen any new visa interview slots open for India in the past 50 days and warned H-1B holders currently in the US against travelling for stamping.

H-1B lottery changes, employer impact

As of December 29, 2025, the H-1B lottery system has also been revised which has given more weight to salary and experience: Level 4 workers receive four entries, Level 3 three entries, Level 2 two entries and Level 1 one entry. The 2027 lottery is scheduled to open in early March.

US companies particularly in technology, healthcare and education are being affected. Extended travel restrictions have delayed projects, disrupted teams and increased costs. Some employers are allowing remote work or hiring local staff to manage risks caused by visa delays.